Jay Moffett family left "heartbroken" following death at Co. Down lake

Q Radio News and PA reporter

A teenage boy who died after entering a lake in Scarva in County Down was 13-year-old Jay Moffett.

The incident happened in the Canal Court area of the village on Monday afternoon.

Jay was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Police have said the death is not being treated as suspicious at this stage.

They have released a statement on behalf of his family who say they are "heartbroken" at the loss of their beautiful son. 

The 13-year-old who died after entering a lake in Scarva, Co.Down yesterday was Jake Moffett.

The PSNI has released a statement on behalf of his family. Pictured below: pic.twitter.com/tKgJufXObj

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) July 20, 2021

The family said, "We are heartbroken by the loss of our beautiful Jay.

"He was a much loved son, brother, grandson, nephew and cousin who lit up the lives of everyone who knew him in his 13 years.

"We are grateful for the support we have received at this terrible time and would ask that we now be given the space to grieve in private."

A spokesperson for the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) said: “The NIAS received a 999 call at 15:27 on Monday July 19 following reports of an incident at Scarva lake.

“NIAS dispatched an emergency crew and ambulance officer to the scene. The charity air ambulance with helicopter emergency medical service crew on board was also tasked to the incident.

“Following assessment and initial treatment at the scene a young male patient was taken by ambulance to Craigavon Area Hospital."

Jay was a pupil Tandragee Junior High School. Principal Wayne Brown said he would be “deeply missed”.

In a statement released on behalf of the board of governors, staff and pupils, Mr Brown said: “It is with great sadness that we learned of the passing of one of our Year 9 pupils, Jay Moffett.

“Jay’s death is particularly poignant. He has always been a popular, helpful and very pleasant pupil and will be deeply missed by pupils and staff.

“Jay was a particularly talented artist, a valued and loyal member of his form class, 9EG, and an exemplary citizen of our school.

“Jay’s potential was boundless, he enjoyed school and would have no doubt achieved further success upon completion of study at Key Stage Three.”

The statement continued: “As a school community we are truly heartbroken and our thoughts, prayers and support are focused on the Moffett family, the extended family circle and Jay’s friends at this extremely sad time.”

MP Carla Lockhart said: “Devastating news to hear of another family plunged into sorrow after the death of a young teenage boy at the Canal Court area of Scarva village.

"Please remember the family in your prayers as they come to terms with this harrowing tragedy.

"To the emergency services and anyone else who assisted, thank you.”

The schoolboy was also involved in amateur boxing. Tullylish Amateur Boxing Club offered its condolences to the boy’s family in a Facebook post.

It said: “Tullylish ABC are deeply saddened following the tragic and untimely passing of our much loved club member Jay Moffett.

“All of us at the club pass on our sincerest condolences. Rest easy Jay, we will all miss that big smile.”

Reverend Rodney Magennis of Loughbrickland, Donaghmore and Scarva Church of Ireland, opened St Matthew’s church in Scarva on Monday as a space for people to reflect on the tragedy.

Rev Magennis said: “As a church in the heart of Scarva village we are deeply saddened by the tragic death of a 13-year-old boy in a local lake.

“We offer to his family and friends our prayerful love and support in the days that are to come.

“It is a tragic event to happen in such a beautiful village and everyone is feeling the shock of it all, so to this end I am opening St. Matthew’s Parish Church of Ireland from 3pm until 6pm for anyone who would like somewhere to go, to sit in the quietness and pray for this family who are going through this dreadful time.”

Floral tributes have been left at the scene close to where the teenager entered the lake.

Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council Lord Mayor Glenn Barr said: "Devastating news coming from Scarva this evening of a young 13 years old boy who has tragically passed away after an incident at a local lake. Thoughts and prayers are with the family and his friends."